Cancer program earns accreditation with commendation

The American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer awarded The University of Kansas Cancer Center a three-year accreditation with commendation. This means KU Cancer Center received the best possible evaluation on all eight commendation-eligible standards, earning the Outstanding Achievement Award.

"It is an honor for us to achieve accreditation from the American College of Surgeons," said Terry Tsue, M.D., physician in chief. "It signals to patients they will have access to a full scope of subspecialists and services not readily available with other cancer programs.

"Thank you to Joshua Mammen, M.D., for his leadership in monitoring and improving quality at the cancer center and spearheading accreditation preparation," he added.

The award recognizes cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. The commission evaluates the programs on 29 standards in four categories: cancer committee leadership, data management, clinical services and quality improvement. Last year, just 18 percent of more than 400 cancer care programs received the Outstanding Achievement Award.

"Earning this accreditation is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the cancer center team," said Jeff Wright, vice president, Cancer Services. "It lets patients know when they come to The University of Kansas Cancer Center, they are receiving the gold standard of care."